The Binding Vow of Lazarus

Chapter 57

She guided them both to the loveseat by the window, its faded velvet sinking under their weight. Boe didn't let go, her forehead pressed to Rin's collarbone, fingers gripping the back of her shirt like she might dissolve if she loosened her hold.

"What's wrong?" Rin asked, her voice low.

Boe's laugh was a broken thing. "I don't even know him anymore."

Rin didn't ask who. She didn't need to. Her fingers traced idle circles on Boe's back, her chin resting atop her head. "Suguru's... going through it right now," she offered carefully. "But he's still in there somewhere."

"No." Boe pulled back just enough to meet Rin's eyes, her own blazing. "He was always dark, but this? This is beyond." Her voice cracked. "Those things in the basement—the way he looked at them—Rin, he smiled."

Rin's jaw tightened. A flicker of unease passed over her face before she schooled it back to neutrality. "Maybe something's wrong with him," she admitted quietly. "Mentally, I mean. Even the day he left... it's all a blur. Doesn't add up."

Boe's breath shuddered out. "The last two years... it's felt too fast. Like none of it makes sense."

Rin's grip on her tightened—just a fraction. "I'm glad you feel that way too," she whispered. "I thought I was losing my mind."

Silence settled between them, thick with understanding. Then, so quiet it was almost swallowed by the hum of the night:

"Can I stay in here tonight?" Boe asked.

Rin didn't hesitate. "Of course."

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The hallway was quiet as Sarah and Haibara bid their good nights to the lingering sorcerers in the common area—polite smiles, tired waves, the perfect performance of a couple retiring for the evening. The moment the door to Haibara's room clicked shut behind them, the illusion shattered.

Suzu exhaled sharply, their form shimmering like disturbed water before melting away from Sarah's delicate features. Their true appearance emerged—smooth, dark skin, an androgynous face with sharp golden eyes, their bald head gleaming faintly in the lamplight. They stretched their arms overhead with a groan, their voice now deeper, richer.

"Ugh, finally. Do you know how hard it is to keep that voice up all day?"

Haibara rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks tinged pink. "S-Sorry about, uh... y'know. Earlier. The whole... kissing thing."

Suzu waved a hand, flopping onto Haibara's over sized bed with a bounce. "Relax. It's not like you meant anything by it. Besides," they smirked, "I'm a great kisser."

Haibara choked on air.

Suzu cackled, rolling onto their stomach as Haibara sank onto the edge of the mattress, dragging his hands down his face. A long silence stretched between them before he spoke again, voice muffled by his palms.

"I just... feel guilty. Even if it's an act. Sarah would—I don't know. Get her feelings hurt."

Suzu propped their chin on their hands, studying him. "Doubt it. Suguru told us to play this game. She's not unreasonably jealous."

Haibara peeked through his fingers. "...Yeah. You're right." He sighed, flopping back onto the bed beside them. "Besides, she's with Gojo. She's probably having the time of her life."

Suzu stretched out on the bed like a satisfied cat, their golden eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, she's definitely having he time of her life. You know she and Gojo are probably going at it like rabbits every chance they get."